Not many Arsenal players deserve criticism after the season they have had.
The Gunners won the Premier League title after 22 years, made it to the finals of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, and also the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
Yes, some players had their dips in form, and injuries played their part too, but everyone contributed to a season fans will never forget.
However, Emmanuel Petit is not convinced by a few Arsenal stars.
If you could go back in time and sign Bryan Mbeumo instead of Noni Madueke for Arsenal, would you do it?
Emmanuel Petit says Arsenal star Noni Madueke is not good enough
Arsenal signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea before the start of last season.
There was a lot of fan unrest when news broke about the Gunners’ interest, but the Englishman won over many supporters with some of his early performances.
Madueke filled in for Bukayo Saka whenever required, and for the most part, he did a decent job on the right flank for the North Londoners.
However, his output – eight goals and four assists in 43 games – has led to some criticism. Petit is at the forefront of that.
He said on talkSPORT: “For me, the likes of Martinelli, Jesus. Gyokeres – I don’t know because he just came into the club. Trossard, I would keep him.
“Madueke, for me, is not good enough. I’m sorry to say that, but he must do much more than that to improve.
“But we definitely need wingers and probably one striker with pace, technical skills, great movement.”
Noni Madueke can still come good for Arsenal
Madueke clearly has his flaws, but he does a lot of things right as well.
The Arsenal winger is rapid, very direct, and possesses the skills and tricks to bamboozle any defender on his day. That sort of quality in one-on-one situations is rare to find.
The problem, however, is his decision-making in the final third, which is the reason why his goals and assists tally are not where they should be.
What’s important to remember, though, is that Madueke is still only 23 years of age. He has time to improve and fulfil the massive potential he has.
We expect the former Chelsea man to be much better next season and repay the faith Mikel Arteta has shown in him.
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